Science Policy Around the Web – February 7, 2013

Federal officials allege Santa Cruz company misled animal welfare inspectors – Two animal rights organizations allege that Santa Cruz Biotechnology has repeatedly violated the animal welfare act and misled federal inspectors. These violations include not reporting the existence of 841 goats. In September, the USDA filed a complaint indicating several violations in regards to animal welfare and employing unqualified personnel. In addition, during a recent inspection, several goats were suffering from undiagnosed infections. (Jessica M. Pasko)

Girls lead in science exam, but not in the United States – A 2009 exam given to 470,000 students (15 years old) in 65 developed countries indicates that, on the global scale, girls perform better than boys in science. Interestingly, in the United States boys out perform girls with average exam scores of 509 to 495. According to Christianne Corbett, research associate at the American Association of American Women, one possible explanation for this outcome is that gender stereotypes regarding occupations begins early in life and less women are likely to go into science careers. (Hannah Fairfield and Alan McLean)

New analysis challenges study suggesting racial bias at NIH – A 2011 study indicated that black researchers face a racial bias when it comes to receiving NIH funding. In response to this report, the NIH announced a program to boost the number of young minority scientists. However, a recent study has analyzed the productivity and funding of minority and white researchers researchers at the same institutions. The study found that on average, the black researchers were less productive than their white colleagues. Additionally, when adjusted for a productivity index, black researchers received just as much funding as their white colleagues. (Jocelyn Kaiser)